Morioka: Celebrating a Culture of People and Horses
Morioka developed as a castle town, the seat of the powerful Nanbu clan during the Edo Period [17th-19th centuries]. Even today, the city has many areas of historical interest, with numerous temples and traditional merchant houses that have survived. Every year in early summer, a very distinctive event is held in Morioka. Called the Chagu Chagu Umako festival, it originated as an expression of appreciation for the hard work done by farm horses. As many as 100 horses take part in a parade through the streets, adorned with colorful costumes and numerous jingling bells. The close relationship between farmers and their horses led to the development of traditional farmhouses known as Nanbu magariya. These houses have two wings, one for the people and the other for the horses, so they can all live under the same roof. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Dean Newcombe visits a farmhouse where the horse is treated almost like a member of the family. He discovers the distinctive culture that has grown up from this close connection with horses. Dean also samples the local specialties. He visits three restaurants to try the three different styles of noodles: wanko soba; Morioka reimen; and Morioka jajamen. He also finds out how these popular dishes that have such different cultural backgrounds became famous as local specialties.
Trailer
Recently Updated Shows
General Hospital
General Hospital, which celebrated its golden anniversary on April 1, 2013, continues its tradition of passion, intrigue and adventure that takes place in the fictional town of Port Charles in upstate New York. The glamour and excitement of those who have come to find their destinies in this familiar seaport town intertwine with the lives, loves and fortunes of beloved, well-known faces. As always, love, danger and mind blowing plot twists continue to abound on General Hospital with contemporary storylines and unforgettable characters.
Beyond the Gates
Beyond the Gates is set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington D.C., and in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States. Here you'll find a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those that live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work and play. Those who have "made it" and those who haven't are all trying to navigate life … and some with more grace than others.
Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta
The city's hip hop elite are about to have their lives changed in ways they never imagined - for better or for worse! In the music mecca of the South, artists rise and fall, families grow and are torn apart, and what goes around - definitely comes around. These players continue to be on the cutting edge of the good, bad and naughty side of love. Returning fan favorites will be joined by some new faces on Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta.
Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch
There are some places on earth where the land just seems different, and Blind Frog Ranch in eastern Utah is one of those places. Locals say the land is cursed. That it's trying to hold on to something. From Aztec treasure to caverns of gold and silver to lost Mormon mines, legends surround Duane Ollinger's 160-acre ranch in Utah's Uintah Basin. But Duane isn't concerned with the lore. After discovering a system of seven underground caves that run through his property, he is singularly focused on finding what's hidden in them - no matter what the cost.